Ravens have final say as Cowboys fall

WEYMOUTH Cowboys were unable to secure back-to-back wins in Solent League Division Three as they faltered in the final quarter and fell to a narrow defeat at the hands of the Ravens.

Having enjoyed victory in their last outing, and defeated their opponents when the two sides last met, the Cowboys entered the contest in high spirits.

And the match started well enough for the home side as they raced into an 8-0 lead courtesy of quick baskets from Giles Herman, Dan Campbell, Sam Dodge and Jack Speary.

With some great defence from Rob Legg and Andy Steel, the Cowboys looked strong, but the Ravens responded and closed the gap to four, 16-12, by the end of the first quarter.

Three consecutive baskets from Campbell increased Weymouth’s lead and as the first half drew to a close, the hosts were 33-27 in front.

The Cowboys remained firmly in control as the third quarter progressed and led 47-39 going into the last, despite holding an 18-point advantage at one stage.

However, the long game was starting to take its toll on the tiring Cowboys and they conceded five unanswered baskets to surrender their lead.

Southampton took control from that point and ran out 61-54 winners to ensure the Cowboys remain at the foot of the table.

Coach Alex Fuhrmann said: “I’ve got to admit that I’m a little speechless after this loss. Everything we worked so hard for in the first half was thrown away in the second, with our opponents
getting full credit for simply wanting the win more than we did.”